Studio Stuff Podcast #12 | Parallel Compression, Slapback & Secret Sends: Our Vocal FX Setup
 
We’ve talked recording, comping, editing… and now we’re wrapping up our vocal series with the good stuff—parallel compression, slap delays, long reverbs, throw delays, saturation, and all the FX that give your vocals that final polish.
In this episode, we break down how we set up our vocal FX chains—what plugins and routing we use, how we layer effects without cluttering the mix, and why sometimes less is more. Whether it’s slap mono or ping pong stereo, background vocal throws or a subtle vocal plate—this is the sauce that brings the whole thing to life.
We also dig into how we treat doubles, how we automate delay times, and the FX we put on a bus that nobody talks about… but should.
🎧 Plus, we answer a great listener question about how to stay objective when you’re mixing your own music—especially when the project drags on.
 
You’ll Learn:


How we use parallel compression and saturation without overcooking it


Our go-to delay chain: slap, long, ping-pong, and throws


Reverb choices that don’t get in the way (plate vs room vs ambient)


Where background vocals live in our mix—and why they get their own world


Smart delay automation tricks that bring life to a vocal phrase


Why we route vocals and instruments separately before the final mix bus


Topics & Stories:


The “parallel wine” joke Chris couldn’t resist


Steve’s go-to EchoBoy presets (and how he automates delay time)


The magic of combining plate and ambient reverb


Using lesser takes as doubles—and why it works


How we process background vocals with width, air, and even chorus


The mystery of the smiley-face EQ on the final vocal bus
 


Listener Q&A:
Huge thanks to S. Conway for the thoughtful question on mixing your own music. We share our personal struggles with staying objective—and what finally helped us get over the mental roadblocks of “over-listening.”
 
Final Takeaway:
Vocal FX are about feel. Use templates, sure—but know when to break the rules. Let the vocal lead, and let the FX serve the story.
 
👉 Got a question for us?
📩 Submit your question here: Form LinkWe’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.

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